Royal Commission visits Port Augusta

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is visiting Port Augusta this week as part of its national community engagement program.

Royal Commission staff will meet with community organisations, counselling and sexual assault service providers and other interested parties over three days beginning Tuesday 29 April 2014.

Royal Commission CEO Janette Dines said the visit provides an opportunity to update community stakeholders on what the Royal Commission has been doing and encourage survivors of child sexual abuse to come forward.

“Community groups and service providers play an important role in supporting people to engage with the Royal Commission,” Ms Dines said.

“We strongly encourage all survivors who wish to share their story, particularly in a private session with a Commissioner, to make contact with the Royal Commission.

“The Royal Commission is determined to ensure that regional communities have a voice in this process.

“All survivors will be given the opportunity to tell their story to the Royal Commission, including those living in regional Australia.”

The visit to Port Augusta marks the first visit by the Royal Commission to regional South Australia. The Royal Commission has previously held a public hearing and private sessions in Adelaide.

If you were abused sexually as a child while in the care of an Australian institution, you can tell your story to the Royal Commission by phoning 1800 099 340 or emailing contact@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au